Englewood Dental

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At Englewood Dental, keeping our patients educated about their dental health is a priority. On our blog, you’ll find tips and best practices for optimal dental health, answers to your dental questions, and up-to-date information on the latest technology, products, and procedures, all with the goal of helping you make informed decisions about your dental care. Be sure to check back often to get advance notice of what’s happening at Englewood Dental, from patient events to special offers and discounts.

We strive to provide our patients with the best dental care for a lifetime of beautiful smiles!


Save the Date – Upcoming Events @ Englewood Dental


We’ve Opened More Evening Appointments for You!

We understand that it can be hard to fit regular dental cleanings into your busy schedule. That’s why we’ve made a change to our schedule to open up additional Monday evening hygiene appointments each month.

These appointments are limited and will fill up quickly. If you would like to reserve a Monday evening for your next hygiene appointment, click here or call us at 201-871-3555 today.


Juvederm Lips Sweepstakes

Register and get treated with JUVÉDERM®, and you could win $1,000* in
Brilliant Distinctions® points and a limited edition SheSpoke lipstick kit.

Click Here for Official Rules and Entry Form


Now looking for candidates to participate in our Live Surgical Educational Program

The Dental Implant Learning Center is a leader in implant education. We are now screening candidates to take advantage of a reduced implant surgery fee during a Live Surgical Education Program being directed by Dr. John Minichetti at Englewood Dental. Call 201-871-3555 or click here to request your Free evaluation (normal value $165.00).


April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Dear Patients,

 

Do you know the main cause of oral cancer?

In most recent years, the main cases of oral cancer, over 63%, have been linked to an STD called human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in young adults. The Centers for Disease Control found that less than half of American adults are aware that HPV infection is a risk factor for oropharyngeal/oral cancers. Although 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol excessively, 25 percent of oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all.

Where it can appear:

  • Tongue
  • Gums
  • Bottom of the mouth
  • Throat
  • Tonsils
  • Oropharynx

Over 40% of all cases lead to death in under 5 years because of this. If detected early on, this illness has a 90% survival rate. It is one of our goals here at Englewood Dental, to spread awareness on how to notice symptoms when they first appear. Oral screenings should be done regularly and treated as any other type of cancer screening– rather than the less than 15% recorded– just as you would have screenings to detect cancer in other areas. A study revealed that 81% of adults wish they were screened for oral cancer during checkups, about 65% of those wishes aren’t met.

Other ways to avoid/prevent oral cancer:

  • Maintain a proper brushing and flossing routine
  • Lessen/stop the use of tobacco products
  • Wear lip balm with SPF when in the sun

Two tests can determine if a trouble spot is cancerous. A brush biopsy is a painless test performed on areas that look harmless or do not have a clear cause. This test can detect potentially dangerous cells in the early stages of the disease. A scalpel biopsy, which requires local anesthesia, is usually performed on suspicious areas. 

Ask us about oral cancer screenings and detect any early signs in just minutes! Engaging and inquiring with your doctor about oral cancer is one step in the right direction towards keeping yourself healthy, as well as others through the spread of awareness.

 

Your Dentist, 

Dr. Minichetti

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!


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February is Gum Disease Awareness Month!

Dear Patients,

Gum disease, which is sometimes known as periodontal disease, is a chronic pathological inflammatory condition. This results in health issues with your gums, bone, and connective tissues. If left untreated, it becomes irreversible and could lead to a loss of teeth.

Gingivitis is the warning sign of gum disease– when your symptoms are still in the reversible stage. So if you think you may be suffering from any of these symptoms, make sure to see your dentist and discuss what you can do to prevent gingivitis from turning into irreversible gum disease.

What to Look Out For: bright red or purple gums, tender gums that may be painful to the touch, bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing, halitosis, or bad breath, inflammation or swollen gums. 

 

 

How It Happens:

  1. Your teeth start off healthy
  2. As your oral routine worsens, plaque begins to build up, leaving you with bad breath
  3. Gums become irritated/swollen
  4. Loss of tooth bone, gums recede (this may cause teeth to fall out!)

Good oral hygiene should be followed daily, even if the teeth and gums are healthy, to prevent infection. Proper dental care involves brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day.

Visit your dentist regularly- Perception is the key in treating periodontal (gum) disease, you should see your dentist on a periodic basis, every 3-6 months depending on your individual situation for dental hygiene. The Hygienist is instrumental in removing calculus and tartar which cannot be removed by brushing alone.

How to Prevent Gum Disease:

  • Brush twice daily
  • Floss!
  • See your dental hygienist regularly  
  • Don’t share saliva with people who have poor oral hygiene
    • Irregular visits to the dentist 
    • Sharing food and drink
    • Sharing a toothbrush
    • Kissing

 

 

Your Dentist,

Dr. Minichetti

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!


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The Full Facial Makeover: Go Beyond the Basics with Facial Aesthetics & Cosmetic Dentistry

 

Dear Patients,

Did you know there is more to a great-looking smile than just great looking teeth? Most people assume Dentists only work with teeth and gums, but there is so much more that goes into facial aesthetics than a smile. 

The advancements in Dentistry over the past decade have increased monumentally, there is now so much more that we can do for your confidence and facial aesthetic. We have the ability to fully restore your smile with fixed alternatives like never before, with implants, prosthodontics, veneers, and other options that include additional lip and lower facial support. Also, we are now more versatile and able to treat your smile, not just your teeth, with facial treatments like Botox and Juvederm.

A beautiful smile radiates health and self-confidence, and because the mouth is one of the focal points of the face, it should come as no surprise that the smile plays a major role in how we perceive ourselves, as well as in the impressions we make on the people around us. While having the teeth you’ve always wanted, why not expand into other areas that you may not have expected that impact the smile esthetic? 

Botox and Facial Esthetics

The most common uses for Botox is smoothing out the facial wrinkles of the forehead and between the eyes. Botox is a muscle relaxer and can relieve any facial pain. Botox can also be used to smooth the wrinkles around lips that are very commonly called smokers’ wrinkles. These wrinkles may not have anything to do with smoking, but have everything to do with the strong contractions of the orbicularis oris muscles. In the past, Dentists have been trained to treat high lip line cases with some sort of periodontal flap surgery and a crown lengthening procedure. Then the patient would have to undergo crown and bridge therapy, which can be quite aggressive and lengthy treatment. Now, through the Botox Therapy and Lip Augmentation, Dentists are able to correct a high lip line without the patient undergoing surgery. Instead, they inject dermal fillers into the muscles surrounding the lips so patients can’t raise the lip as high. While the disadvantage of using Botox for these types of procedures is the need to visit the office 2-3 times a year, the advantage is having the issue corrected in one visit and being minimally invasive. 

This is just one of the ways Botox can improve your smile aesthetically, but the options are endless. 

 Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.

Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. We place veneers routinely and design each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient’s smile.

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

So whether you’re looking to whiten your smile, correct your smile with implants or veneers or undergo a complete facial makeover, come to our office and see what treatment is right for you! Learn more about your cosmetic options with a Complimentary Consultation today.

Your Dentist, 

 

Dr. Minichetti

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!


 

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When is The Right Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Dear Patients,

With your children home for Christmas break, it’s the perfect time to look into getting their wisdom teeth removal surgery! It is best to have impacted wisdom teeth removed (extracted) before  20 years old because it’s easier to take them out when the roots and bones of your teeth are softer and not fully formed.

Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars-the last teeth to file in. With today’s modern technology and years of perfecting this procedure have helped us make wisdom teeth extractions a commonplace procedure with little discomfort during recovery.

Most people’s jaws are simply not big enough to house wisdom teeth. This is how they get impacted, or stuck, in your jaw and not able to grow up through your gums like other teeth. Not all wisdom teeth always need to be removed. Some people only need one or two extracted. 

Dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth if they don’t fully emerge. It’s better to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age before the roots and bones are fully formed. According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you experience changes in the back area of your mouth, such as:

  • Pain.
  • Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth.
  • Fluid-filled sacs (cysts).
  • Tumors.
  • Damage to nearby teeth.
  • Gum disease.
  • Extensive tooth decay.

 

If your child is a teenager, start talking to your dentist about wisdom teeth. It doesn’t hurt to get their early opinion and possibly begin to devise a plan for the future.

Your Dentist,

Dr. Minichetti 

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!


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Benefits of Botox

Dear Patients,

Have you ever considered Botox injections, but aren’t exactly sure how it works and if the treatment would be right for you? There are many reasons to try Botox, some are cosmetic and preventative, while others are medical. Rest assured, all procedures are performed by myself or Dr. Anna Hong and we’ve received advanced specialized training in facial cosmetics, so you’ll be in good hands.

 

BOTOX® is a safe non-surgical treatment that has been FDA approved for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. Everything from frown lines between the eyes and above the nose, crow’s feet, bunny lines, marionette lines, smile lines, smoker’s lines can be rewarded by one single Botox Application.

 

It’s amazing how refreshed and rejuvenated you’ll feel after receiving a Botox treatment. 

 

Take a look at some before and after to see the real difference in getting botox: 

   BEFORE                                                                           AFTER    

                      

How to prepare for the procedure: Be sure to mention in your patient history if you’ve had any type of Botox injection within the past four months. Medications must be listed, especially if they are muscle relaxants, sleeping aids, or allergy-related. 

During the procedure: We will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin and/or muscles. To decide how many injections are necessary, we will have a consultation to discuss the many factors related to Botox and what results you are hoping to achieve. 

After the procedure: While you are welcome to return to all of your normal activities immediately following the procedure, it is recommended that you do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours. This will prevent the toxin from spreading to unwanted areas. 

Results and Follow up: Remember, Botox not only gives you some amazing results as soon as one to three days after treatment but if you keep up with it, it will provide preventative aging. Depending on the treatment received, the effect may last three months or longer. 

If you’re curious to see if Botox would be a fitting option for you, book a free consultation ($165 value)  and we can review your options! Fresh and rejuvenated skin is right around the corner.

Your Dentist, 

Dr. Minichetti

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!


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September is National Dental Implant Awareness Month

Dear Patients,

It’s National Implant Awareness Month! Dental Implants help maintain and strengthen bone structure in order to keep your smile at it’s healthiest by protecting the existing teeth. Once a tooth is lost, things can happen that you might not notice at first but can have negative effects on both health and appearance.

 

So Why Implants?

They provide a strong, stable, and durable foundation for high-quality replacement teeth. Implants improve the original bite strength and can reverse bone loss in the jaw.

Dental implants can prevent your teeth from shifting, enables you to chew your food better, and improves your self-confidence.

Dental implant with crown attachment

 

Another important factor of Dental implants is that they improve your oral health. Nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.

 

Dental implant consultation

 

Can Anyone Get Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered. If you have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant you can be considered!

 

Post-Surgery Discomfort

It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling in the Gum and soft tissues. Usually, the discomfort- is treated with an ordinary painkiller, such as ibuprofen, hydrocodone, or codeine.

 

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.

*Important tip: Proper dental care is vital to make sure implants last as long as possible.

 

Your Dentist,

Dr. Minichetti

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!


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Your Natural Teeth Are Here to Stay!

Save Your Tooth Month means sharing the best ways to help keep your teeth!

 

Dear Patients,

It’s time to relieve your dental pain and keep your natural teeth– all in one procedure!
You may be asking yourself, or your dentist, “How can I do this?” The answer is simple and straightforward: root canal treatment. Your dentist may recommend you make an appointment for a root canal treatment if they notice that the roots of your tooth are inflamed or infected. But fear not!– Although the idea of a “root canal” might immediately prompt your nerves, we ensure you that you have nothing to be scared of. Today’s advanced analgesics and technology are here to create a painless and inviting procedure. One can be sure to have a relaxed procedure as they doze off before it even begins!

What Does a Root Canal Treatment Entail?
Simply put, dentists recommend a root canal treatment to focus on repairing and saving a natural tooth that is badly decayed or infected without extraction or need for an implant. The procedure includes removing the pulp from inside the tooth, while cleaning/disinfecting and properly shaping the root canals in your teeth. The treatment ends with the endodontist adding a filling so we can ensure the roots will further stay in place.

What Age Will I Likely Need A Root Canal Treatment By?
Most oral infections do not discriminate against age. It does not matter whether your teeth are new or old, decaying of the tooth’s pulp complex can be detrimental to your teeth, and even lead to pulpitis. Diets are often the main cause of creating the need for a root canal treatment, so regardless of age, sugar does not limit its negative effects on teeth. However, sometimes irritation and old age correlate and have a better chance of leading to irreversible inflammation.

Babies and Root Canal Treatments: Cautions to Be Aware Of
When babies need oral treatments, they are often overlooked and brushed off as teething as it is the prime time for new teeth to grow in. However, root canals are not uncommon procedures for babies, toddlers, or young children. If your child’s crying does not seem to recede with time or seems a little too intense to be teething pain, it may be best to see their dentist. Even though their baby teeth will eventually fall out, their dentist will suggest fixing them unless they are very close to falling out naturally. Baby teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and ensuring future teeth grow in properly and straight. They also hold spaces for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them.

*Important Tip: It may be best to rethink giving your child a bottle of milk before bed if you are not planning on brushing their teeth afterward. This often causes tooth and root decay as the sugars in the milk sit on the teeth overnight. Try to give them bottles of water before bed if they have already brushed their teeth.*

How Can I Prevent My Need for A Root Canal Treatment Altogether?
The number one tip given to help you avoid all preventable dental procedures is to maintain proper oral care. This means brushing and flossing regularly and keeping up a low-in-sugar diet. And visiting your dentist as advised, of course! Our main goal at Englewood Dental is to ultimately prevent one from even needing extractions or implants and to save the natural tooth and its components.

Your Dentist,

Dr. Minichetti

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online! 


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Oral Cancer– Spreading Awareness Where It’s Needed

April is dedicated to oral (or oropharyngeal) cancer awareness and the estimated 53,000 Americans that will be diagnosed this year. Each year the number of those diagnosed, and the number of lives taken by this horrible disease increases. This means that approximately 145 Americans are diagnosed each day and 1 life is taken every hour– furthering the increasingly important need to spread awareness.

 

Do you know the main cause of oral cancer?

In recent years, most cases of oral cancer, over 63%, have been linked to an STD called human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in young adults. The Centers for Disease Control found that less than half of American adults are aware that the HPV infection is a risk factor for oropharyngeal/oral cancers.

 

Where it can appear:

  • Tongue
  • Gums
  • Bottom of the mouth
  • Throat
  • Tonsils
  • Oropharynx

 

Unfortunately, oral cancer is noticed too late in its development, increasing the rate of death in those that are diagnosed. Over 40% of all cases lead to death in under 5 years because of this. If detected early on, this illness has a 90% survival rate, which is why it is one of our goals, here at Englewood Dental, to spread awareness on how to notice symptoms when they first appear. Oral screenings should be done regularly and treated as any other type of cancer screening– rather than the less than 15% recorded– just as you would have screenings to detect cancer in other areas. A study revealed that 81% of adults wish they were screened for oral cancer during checkups, about 65% of those wishes aren’t met.

 

Other ways to avoid/prevent oral cancer:

  • Maintain a proper brushing and flossing routine
  • Lessen/stop the use of tobacco products
  • Wear lip balm with SPF when in the sun

 

It is my job as your dentist to keep you aware and help you stay informed when making your regular trips to the dentist. Ask us about oral cancer screenings and detect any early signs in just minutes! Engaging and inquiring with your doctor about oral cancer is one step in the right direction towards keeping yourself healthy, as well as others through the spread of awareness.

 

Your dentist,

Dr. John Minichetti


Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Breathe Better, Sleep Better

What is OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that blocks airways and prevents one from properly breathing. OSA is a type of sleep apnea that occurs when a sleeping person stops breathing for 10 or more seconds. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as the size of oral passages and airway structures, swelling of passageways, tongue positioning, soft oral tissue, and relaxed oral muscles. OSA affects approximately 30 million U.S. adults, making it one of the most common sleeping disorders.

Those who have less than five apneas per hour are considered to have no or minimal sleep apnea, between 5 and 15 sleep apneas per hour is considered mild, between 15 and 30 apneas per hour is considered moderate sleep apnea, and above 30 apneas per hour is considered severe sleep apnea.

 

 

 

 

Potential Risks of OSA:

Leaving OSA untreated can potentially lead to many negative long term health effects.

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Acid Reflux
  • Diabetes
  • Sexual Dysfunction

 

 

Ways to Reduce OSA for Mild Cases:

  • Limit alcohol consumption or refrain completely
  • Don’t drink alcohol several hours before going to sleep
  • Don’t use certain sleep medications
  • Exercise regularly
  • Lose weight if overweight
  • Don’t sleep on your back
  • Quit smoking

 

 

Treatments for OSA:

For moderate to severe cases of OSA, professional treatment is necessary. The objective of OSA treatments is to open up the airway so that the person can breathe properly. A continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP), an anterior mandibular positioning dental device (AMP), and a mandibular advancement device (MAD) all help open up the airways and allow airflow by adjusting the position of the mouth and jaw.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea can severely affect your overall health. Be sure to look out for signs of sleep apnea and report it to your doctor or qualifying dentist immediately to get the help you need for sleep and overall health improvements.

If you believe you suffer from any of the Sleep Apnea symptoms, make an appointment for a consultation with Sleep Apnea Specialist, Dr. Anna Hong.

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online! 


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Gum Disease – Can It Be Spread From Person to Person?

Did you know that about 47% of adults (30+) have at least some variation of gum disease and the Center for Disease control claims 70% of adults (65+) have periodontal disease?  Gum disease, which is sometimes known as periodontal disease, is a chronic pathological inflammatory condition. This results in health issues with your gums, bone, and connective tissues. If left untreated, it becomes irreversible and could lead to a loss of teeth.

 

How to Know if You Have Gum Disease:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Irritated or swollen gums
  • Gums bleed when brushing or flossing
  • Severe toothaches (or pain while chewing food)
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth (or even loss of teeth)

 

 

Did you just read that list and are fearful you may have gum disease? Don’t go straight to panic mode yet. Make sure to be aware of the difference between gum disease and gingivitis. Gingivitis is the warning sign of gum disease– when your symptoms are still in the reversible stage. So if you think you may be suffering from any of these symptoms, make sure to see your dentist and discuss what you can do to prevent gingivitis from turning into irreversible gum disease.

 

How It Happens:

  1. Your teeth start off healthy
  2. As your oral routine worsens, plaque begins to build up, leaving you with bad breath
  3. Gums become irritated/swollen
  4. Loss of tooth bone, gums recede (this may cause teeth to fall out!)

 

I’m sure you’re all wondering– Can it be spread by kissing or sharing saliva?

To invalidate the rumors, gum disease is not contagious.  You can not acquire the disease by sharing a drink or food with someone who unknowingly has gum disease.  However, long-term sharing of saliva through the sharing of food and drink or even kissing without proper hygiene could increase your risk of periodontal disease.

Poor oral hygiene and the spread of bacteria caused by poor oral hygiene causes gum disease.  If you are constantly exposed to the bacteria, your immune system may struggle to ward off the disease.

 

How to Prevent Gum Disease:

  • Brush twice daily
  • Floss!
  • Don’t share saliva with people who have poor oral hygiene
    • Sharing food and drink
    • Sharing a toothbrush
    • Kissing
  • Regular visits to the dentist

 

Routine visits to the dentist will ensure that your gums and teeth are in healthy condition– and if they aren’t, your dentist will do everything they can to reverse the symptoms to avoid any further problems or damage.

 

At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online! 


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